Q: I have heard that it is easy for kids to hide vape pens and cartridges in their room. I don’t think my high school son is vaping, but I also don’t want to be naive. I want to protect my child, but I also want to respect his space and privacy. How does a parent balance both?

The best thing for a parent to do is to make sure they first educate themselves about vaping and not go snooping unless they have reason to suspect their child is doing something, said the Family Project panel.

“Have a conversation with your son about vaping and the substances used in vaping,” said panelist Joanne Raftas.

“Explain that vaping is marketed as a safe alternative to smoking but still may contains nicotine and other chemicals that are not healthy and can still be addictive,” said panelist Chad Stefanyak.

“Ask him what he thinks about vaping. Don’t accuse him of anything, just ask him for his opinions on it,” said panelist Mike Daniels.

“What are the family’s values around smoking?” Daniels asked.

“There is nothing wrong with asking him directly if he has been exposed to vaping,” said panelist Wanda Mercado-Arroyo.

“It’s more than likely he has already been exposed. There are kids who start vaping in middle school,” added Daniels.

“Be prepared that you might not get a direct answer and may have to pursue the issue with your son,” said Raftas.

“Do a Google search and see examples of what vaping products look like. There are products that look like pens, thumb drives and other everyday items,” said Mercado-Arroyo.

Be aware if your son shows any behavior changes such as agitation or anxiety. And familiarize yourself with the language surrounding vaping. There are many different names for devices, the panel members said.

“it is important that parents educate themselves about all aspects of vaping. Having strong family values gives you the skills to talk about things with your children,” added Continenza.

“If you snoop without cause, think how you will be viewed as a parent,” Stefanyak said.

“It’s smart as a parent to be on top of issues like vaping, but be aware you can’t protect your child from everything,” Raftas said.

This week’s panel: Pam Wallace, program coordinator, Project Child, a program of Valley Youth House; Chad Stefanyak, school counselor; Denise Continenza, extension educator; Joanne T. Raftas, registered play therapist and counselor; Wanda Mercado-Arroyo, former teacher and administrator, and Mike Daniels, LCSW, Psychotherapist.

Have a question? Email: projectchild@projectchildlv.org

The Family Project is a collaboration of the Lehigh Valley Press Focus section and Valley Youth House’s Project Child.

The Times News, Inc., and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.